Suman Dey

Calcutta: Suman Dey’s goal in the 81st minute guaranteed Mohammedan Sporting a place in the main phase of the Federation Cup as the Calcutta giants defeated Vasco SC 1-0 at the Kalyani Stadium, on Monday.

After receiving a pass from South Korean Han Wook, Suman intended to float the ball across an out-of-position Vasco goalkeeper Agnello Noronha. But, to the surprise of Dey himself and others, the ball found the back of the net!

“It was a crucial goal and one of the important goals of my career,” a beaming Suman said after the match.

Mohammedan Sporting coach Alok Mukherjee also praised the striker.

“The goal was a result of good teamwork. But it was important that the players remained in the lurch. I am glad that Suman scored the winner,” said Mukherjee.

Mohammedan Sporting, in fact, gave a much improved display on Monday.

The players played with positive intent from the outset, exchanged passes and applied pressure on the opponents.

Mohammedan Sporting to the top of Group A with 6 points.

They Sporting are now clubbed with defending champions East Bengal, Dempo Sports Club and Pune FC in Group C of the main phase. They play defending champions East Bengal on Saturday.

TEAMS

Mohammedan Sporting: Sukdeb Ghosh, Suman Dey, Safar Sardar, Adeola Hassan, Sudip Das, Tapan Maity, Surabuddin Mullick (Mohammed Mukhtar 62), Gautam Kujur, Surajit Bose (Suroj Mondal 86), Felix (Han Wook 50), Stanley

Vasco SC: Agnello Noronha, Agnelo Baretto, Subhankar Dey, Agnelo Colaco (Sagar Bhatkande 60’), Sunil Sharma (Aniket Dilip 53’), Aiken Dias, Jerose Oliviera, Jeose Colaco, Elvino Fernandes, Julius Akpele, Andrew Igado

Referee: Ratheesh Kumar